35 Comments
User's avatar
C.A. Green's avatar

Wow I had goosebumps during this whole piece. I agree with everyone who told you to share this story. Taking your last experiences and looking at them through your current lens is super powerful.

The videos were an incredible addition here as well.

Also, thanks for the shoutout. That means a lot.

Expand full comment
Latham Turner's avatar

Thanks C.A. I'm grateful you clicked through and watched them. Those videos brought back good and not as good memories. But most of all, I felt the pride of those old days.

I'm grateful you're here.

Expand full comment
Parker Thomas's avatar

Loved the story - keep them coming. You are the sum of all your stories and anything that made you who you are is worth sharing with those who care about you, especially if there is a lesson to be learned.

Expand full comment
Rick Lewis's avatar

Oh man, I need a beer just from reading this. Gripping, entertaining, and fascinating. More please!!

Expand full comment
Latham Turner's avatar

Thanks Rick. And thank you for pushing me to tell it.

Expand full comment
Rick Lewis's avatar

: )

Expand full comment
Alex Michael's avatar

Such a kickass story, told beautifully. So glad you shared it.

Expand full comment
Latham Turner's avatar

Thanks for helping me make it what it is.

Expand full comment
Justin Frank's avatar

Was at the edge of my seat reading this. Incredible. I bet those 15 seconds felt like an eternity.

Expand full comment
Latham Turner's avatar

Thanks Justin. Every 15 seconds was an eternity in that job. So many memorable stories.

Expand full comment
Sairam Sundaresan's avatar

Edge of the seat stuff, Latham. Where have all these stories been???

Expand full comment
Latham Turner's avatar

Haha, usually hiding behind a pint or two. But like I said, good friends really pushed me. Maybe I'll have to tell some more.

Expand full comment
Stephen Rowland's avatar

Your story transcends that boundary between civilian and military and allows all to feel the squeeze of responsibility that is life & death.

Expand full comment
Latham Turner's avatar

Thank you Stephen. I'm glad it resonated.

Expand full comment
Bowen Dwelle's avatar

no need to hide those 'old' stories away mate!

Expand full comment
G. Michael McDowell's avatar

Ah CAG! Y’all done good. Was it MOVLAS? Velocity vector not used there? How about those big wing pilots getting aboard ? Maybe just the E-2 then?

Expand full comment
Latham Turner's avatar

Thanks Michael. No MOVLAS that day, save those stories for another time. And the Velocity Vector doesn't do as much good when the deck is pitching like that. Also, this was pre-Magic Carpet.

Thanks for reading. I'm glad you liked it

Expand full comment
Frank Corrigan's avatar

Oh boy! This —> “If you hear my voice, I need you to ignore what you see outside and just trust that I’m going to get you home. Don’t you even start dreaming about beer at the bar without me. You understand?” THANKS for sharing Latham… got my adrenaline going this morning.

Expand full comment
Latham Turner's avatar

Glad you liked it Frank. Thanks for reading

Expand full comment
Grace Capobianco's avatar

This is so badass and beautiful at the same time. My hands were sweating reading this, lol. Such a captivating window into your life, and I would absolutely encourage you to let these pieces of you and these memories of your “past life” fly free. They’re stunning.

Expand full comment
Latham Turner's avatar

Thank you Grace. I'm going to keep trying, at least as part of regular programming.

Expand full comment
Adia Sowho's avatar

Loved this, Latham. Great job...so many memorable words to take away...your respect for the sea is palpable, the tension...the fear....love it!

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

I was obsessed with Top Gun when I was a kid and always wanted to experience what it was like to fly in a fighter jet and take off and land on an aircraft carrier. But after reading this riveting story, maybe I don't want to do the landing part so much after all lol

Expand full comment
Latham Turner's avatar

Landing on the boat is some of the most fun I've ever had. It was terrifying and exhilarating and transcendent at the same time. Top Gun doesn't really do it justice, even though it has some great material. Thanks for reading.

Expand full comment
Alex Adamov's avatar

What a wild job and collab between pilot and LSO. Well told story!

Expand full comment
Latham Turner's avatar

Thanks Alex. Those were fun days. I miss them more than I ever thought I would.

Expand full comment
Jude Klinger's avatar

Excellent story telling...very cinematic. Got more?? Then share!

Expand full comment
E.L. Zeitgeist's avatar

My heart’s still pounding!! Full respect. And definitely more of these old stories, please!

Expand full comment